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Tributes to the 96 at Hillsborough memorial service

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has lead the tributes to the 96 who died at Hillsborough 25 years ago.

"Without doubt, the single biggest source of inspiration for me is every matchday at Anfield when I arrive at the ground see the Hillsborough memorial."

– Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers

He received a standing ovation as he revealed he aspires to former managers like predecessor Kenny Dalglish: "His leadership, human dignity and courage… serves as an example to us all."

"We will always strive to honour you the families and the memory of the 96. You will never walk alone."

Hillsborough memorial service Credit: LFC

Rodgers also thanked his Everton counterpart, Roberto Martinez, for making the trip across Stanley Park.

The Toffees boss said "I was only 15 in April 1989. Football mad kid. Football mad family. Like many of you today.

"We heard the news. We heard about Hillsborough. As a family we couldn’t believe the pain and horror the families would get at receiving the news their loved ones wouldn’t be coming home from a football match.

Roberto Martinez Credit: LFC

"How can anyone die watching the game you love? That isn’t right. That wasn’t fair."

He added that he thought the Hillsborough Family Support Group, which organised today's memorial, is "a remarkable group of people." "The way you fight for justice is truly remarkable.. Everton are with you, you know that."

Earlier Rev Kelvin Bolton welcomed the tens of thousands of people who had joined the service at Anfield.

"25 years. A quarter of a century. A lifetime, or so it may seem. Today we gather to remember with love 96 people."

Revered Kelvin Bolton speaks at the service Credit: LFC

Talking to the families of the 96, he added: "We’ve been struck by your courage, determination and absolute love."

"The dignity you have shown, the example to all of us, if we lose that key component of what it is to be human we lose so much of what God intends for us to be as human beings."